Sports coach UK has appointed former British Gymnastics executive Mark Gannon as its new chief executive.

Gannon, who was executive director of business and development for the governing body, takes over the role which was being overseen by Helen Davey, the acting chief executive.

He has been appointed for his “strong marketing and commercial background” as well as his “deep knowledge of the sport and physical activity landscape”. Gannon will also oversee sports coach UK’s trading arm, Coachwise.

UK chair Gillian Wilmot – who joined the organisation last December – said Gannon’s appointment and the publication of the government’s Sporting Future strategy gave sports coach UK the chance to “reassess what coaches and coaching organisations can deliver against the changing needs of society”.

“This includes both participants and potential participants, especially women and underrepresented groups,” she added. “Mark is the ideal person to lead the organisation in addressing these needs.”

Gannon said he was “delighted” to be hired and that he wanted to make sure coaching plays a “leading role” in the delivery of the strategy.

UK Sport chief executive Liz Nicholl and Sport England director of sport Phil Smith were both complimentary about the appointment.

The former said Gannon had “excellent commercial and sporting experience”, while Smith added the new chief executive had a “lead role” to play in supporting coaches in the context of the government sport strategy.